Cham culture captivates tourists.

Cham art performances always attract a large number of tourists.

Reminiscent of Champa culture

The southeastern part of Lam Dong province is not only famous for its sunshine, wind, blue sea, and white sand, but also for the unique cultural heritage of the Cham community, which has existed for thousands of years. At some resorts in Mui Ne ward, tourists can easily find Cham patterns present in many places, from the lobby, in the grounds, restaurants to bedrooms.

In particular, Cham artisanal and household ceramics such as vases, jars, and pots are displayed in the lobbies of resorts or used as rustic decorations along walkways, creating a distinctive touch, a unique embellishment, and spreading local culture.

Among them, Muine Bay Resort impresses visitors, especially international guests, with its architectural style deeply rooted in ancient Champa culture. Interior details such as murals and decorative patterns clearly evoke Champa culture; most notably, the "Siva's Ring of Fire" built in the center of the grounds creates a resort experience that is both physically and spiritually enriching.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai Tram, representative of Muine Bay Resort, said that with the theme "A Glimpse of Cham Scent," each area in the resort is decorated according to its own unique ideas. The harmonious combination of nature and culture in the architecture not only creates aesthetic value but also contributes to preserving local identity and raising awareness among the community and tourists about the local cultural heritage.

At Pandanus Resort, on weekends, the resort collaborates with artisans to organize pottery-making and brocade weaving demonstrations, and introduce Cham cuisine , catering to the research, sightseeing, and enjoyment needs of tourists while relaxing in the beautiful coastal city of Lam Dong.

Mike Willsion (an American tourist) shared: “From the moment I arrived at my accommodation, I was captivated by the space steeped in Cham culture. Not only did I get to learn about Cham patterns and culture on-site, but I also got to experience the cuisine, enjoy traditional music and dances without having to travel far. This makes Mui Ne truly special.”

Foreign tourists enjoy wearing Cham costumes and savoring traditional Cham cuisine at their accommodation.

Beyond mere decoration, some resorts also recreate rituals expressing reverence for the Champa ancestors. At The Anam Mui Ne Resort, every sunset, guests can witness the unique "Farewell to the Sun" ceremony. In the fading sunlight, staff dressed in traditional Champa costumes carry torches, leading guests from the lobby through the gardens to the beach, accompanied by the majestic and melodious sound of the ghinang drums, performing ancient rituals to show respect for the Champa kingdom. This is one of the activities honoring local culture that The Anam Mui Ne has maintained for many years.

The allure of Cham cuisine

Besides architecture, dance, and religious rituals, Cham cuisine has also been incorporated into the menus served to tourists at many high-end resorts.

Mr. Lu Quoc Thien (from Hong Thai commune) - the person who connects and represents Cham artisans from Bac Binh to Pandanus Resort on weekends - shared: “For the Cham people in Lam Dong, cuisine is not elaborate or luxurious, but simple, refined, and rich in flavor. Here, visitors can enjoy many characteristic dishes such as: goat stew served with mixed vegetables, grilled goat with spices, grilled chicken with rich rice, mango salad with anchovies, ginger cake, rice rolls… traditional dishes during the Katê Festival.”

pandanus 1 — Gingerbread cookies - a type of cookie with a mild, warm, and spicy flavor.

Amidst the music and vibrant dances of the Cham girls, visitors feel as if they are immersed in a miniature Katê Festival, enjoying the music while experiencing the distinctive dishes of Cham cuisine, vividly recreated with full flavor. Cham buffet parties always receive enthusiastic support from international tourists.

Anastasia (a Russian tourist) shared: “This is my first time enjoying Cham specialties. The seasonings are just right, especially the goat stew, which is delicious. I was impressed watching the artisans make gingerbread, a type of cake with a mild, warm, spicy flavor. Upon further inquiry, I learned that this is an important offering to ancestors during festivals, especially the Katê festival and Cham weddings.”

The southeastern part of Lam Dong province is home to the unique cultural heritage of the Cham community.

The Cham community in Lam Dong, with its unique cultural heritage and harmonious blend of preservation and development, has created a distinct identity for local tourism. Visiting the "paradise resort" of Mui Ne, tourists can experience Cham culture not only through modern architecture but also through traditional patterns and dishes recreated right at their accommodations, fostering a deeper understanding of the Cham cultural spirit. This presents an opportunity for Lam Dong to affirm its position on the map of Vietnamese cultural tourism, building an image of a vibrant and culturally rich region in the hearts of both domestic and international tourists.

The World Tourism Organization predicts that by 2030, 54% of tourists will travel for sightseeing and relaxation. In this context, traditional cultural values are a crucial factor in attracting visitors, contributing to shaping the character of destinations and preserving local culture.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/van-hoa-cham-niu-chan-du-khach-418942.html